NFC North Rundown: Two teams down, two left in postseason pursuit

While the Green Bay Packers have not looked perfect en route to an 11-3 record, one thing is for certain: they will be playoff-bound once again.

Following a win in their 200th meeting with the Chicago Bears, the Packers are assured of at least a Wild Card berth, with the opportunity to win the NFC North on the road in Minnesota next weekend. Doing so will be a tall task, as the Vikings have been playing high-caliber football over the past 10 weeks and forced seven turnovers last week alone as they climbed closer to their own playoff spot.

As the Vikings and Packers renew their own rivalry in a matter of days, they are the remaining postseason-hopefuls within the division with Detroit and Chicago now out. A few thoughts for those two teams’ offseason plans are in today’s rundown below.

Detroit Lions (3-10-1)

Lost 38-10 vs. Tampa Bay; Next at Denver

O’HARA’S MONDAY COUNTDOWN: Notable moments from Lions’ loss to Buccaneers

Detroit’s offense earned a first down sparingly in the first half, while its defense allowed 10 completions of 20 yards or more against Tampa Bay.

With the Lions in full-tank mode, here’s betting Matt Patricia’s fate is already decided

With injuries and no postseason chances remaining, backups played 48% of the team’s individual snaps on Sunday. All that is left to decide is whether or not there will be a head coaching change in two weeks.

Sunday’s NFL schedule could determine Detroit Lions’ chances of landing Chase Young

Draft watch is beginning in Detroit and the Lions are still in the running for the number one pick.

Chicago Bears (7-7)

Lost 21-13 at Green Bay; Next vs. Kansas City

Stats, snap counts, and more: Offensive frustrations continue for the Bears

There were some questionable moments on Sunday for the Bears offensively, but they did still manage to hold the edge in several offensive categories.

Chicago Bears: Loss to Packers proves these 3 changes in 2020

Depth on the offensive line and an impact player at tight end make up two of the more important additions Chicago can make this offseason.

Bears coach Matt Nagy denies rift exists with QB Mitchell Trubisky

Post-game comments from the Chicago quarterback have caused some speculation, perhaps taking some pressure off of the intra-division chatter about Aaron Rodgers and his playcaller.

Minnesota Vikings (10-4)

Won 39-10 at Los Angeles Chargers; Next vs. Green Bay

Vikings at Chargers final score: Minnesota defense forces seven turnovers in blowout road victory

Minnesota cashed in on opportunities created by multiple miscues, specifically from Philip Rivers.

NFC Playoff Picture: Vikings on the brink of clinching

Losses from the Bears and Los Angeles Rams benefited not only the Packers, but also the Vikings in terms of hoping to clinch a playoff berth.

After Further Review: WR Sweeps Lead to Bigger Gains for Vikings

“Eye violations” helped the Vikings keep the Chargers’ defense honest on Sunday with three receivers notching carries.